Early Years Kitchen Assistant — Nutrition‑Focused, 12–5pm

Bright Horizons; Otterbourne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 40%

Enhanced parental leave

20 days leave + holidays

Pension

Wellbeing benefits and GP access

Career development programme

Shift options 12-5pm

Job summary

Bright Horizons in Otterbourne is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing age-appropriate meals, minimise wastage, and keep the kitchen clean and safe for all children. In the Chef's absence you will run the kitchen and ensure all dietary requirements and allergies are clearly communicated to teams, while delivering nutritious meals with passion.

This role requires relevant cooking experience, Food Safety (CIEH L2+), COSHH awareness, strong communication, and

Qualifications

• Experience in a cooking role, domestic or commercial.
• Passion for nutrition and encouraging healthy eating.
• Knowledge of dietary requirements, including allergies.
• Food safety qualification (CIEH L2+) required by day 1.
• Solid COSHH knowledge.
• Excellent communication with staff, children and parents.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and cooking age-appropriate meals for children.
• Minimise food waste and maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety.
• Run the kitchen in the Chef's absence.
• Ensure dietary requirements and allergies are catered for and communicated to teams.
• Maintain effective communication with colleagues, children and parents.
• Support nutrition initiatives and wellbeing in the nursery.

Skills

Cooking experience

Nutrition and healthy eating

Dietary requirements knowledge

Food safety (CIEH L2+)

COSHH knowledge

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Job description

Bright Horizons in Otterbourne is seeking an Early Years Kitchen Assistant to support the Chef in preparing age-appropriate meals, minimise wastage, and keep the kitchen clean and safe for all children. In the Chef's absence you will run the kitchen and ensure all dietary requirements and allergies are clearly communicated to teams, while delivering nutritious meals with passion.

This role requires relevant cooking experience, Food Safety (CIEH L2+), COSHH awareness, strong communication, and